Which of the following is a hazard that may be encountered on a patrol?

• A. Weather exposure
• B. Route planning
• C. Radio checks
• D. Standard operating procedures

Answer: (A)

Weather exposure is a hazard because the environment itself can create immediate safety risks—extreme cold or heat, rain, wind, or sun can lead to hypothermia, heat illness, dehydration, sunburn, or impaired judgment and performance on patrol. These conditions can appear suddenly and affect movement, decision-making, and physical capability, making weather a direct threat to safety that you must anticipate and mitigate.

Route planning, radio checks, and standard operating procedures are important parts of patrol operations, but they’re not hazards themselves. They’re activities or documents that help you manage risk, whereas weather exposure is something in the environment you must actively guard against with appropriate clothing, shelter, hydration, pacing, and contingency planning.